How some US pennies become worth more than gold
Most pennies are worth one cent, but a few rare examples command collector prices far above their face value — in some cases exceeding the value of gold by weight. Rarity, minting errors, and condition determine a penny’s market value.
This guide explains which five US pennies are most likely to be worth significantly more than their face value, how to identify them, and practical next steps if you find one in your wallet or jar.
Which US pennies could be worth more than gold?
Below are five types of pennies that collectors seek. Each entry includes identifying features, why the coin is valuable, and a typical value range for circulated examples.
1. 1943 Copper Lincoln Cent (Bronze Error)
In 1943 most US cents were struck on zinc-coated steel to save copper for wartime use. A small number of 1943 cents were mistakenly struck on bronze (copper) planchets. These are very rare.
- How to spot it: Look for a brown/copper color rather than silver-gray steel.
- Why valuable: Extremely low mintage among 1943 cents; collectors prize the error.
- Value range: Tens of thousands to over a million dollars for high-grade pieces.
2. 1955 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent
The 1955 doubled die obverse shows a pronounced doubling of the date and inscriptions on the obverse. It is one of the most famous error coins for modern collectors.
- How to spot it: Look for clear doubling in the letters “LIBERTY” and the numerals of the date.
- Why valuable: Eye-visible doubling is dramatic and rare on circulated coins from the 1950s.
- Value range: Hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars depending on condition.
3. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
The 1909 Lincoln cent introduced designer Victor David Brenner’s initials “VDB” on the reverse. The San Francisco-minted 1909-S VDB had low mintage and is highly collectible.
- How to spot it: Find the mintmark “S” under the date or on the reverse as appropriate. Look for “VDB” initials on the reverse rim.
- Why valuable: Early Lincoln cents in low mintage and with designer initials are scarce in higher grades.
- Value range: A few hundred dollars in low grade; several thousand in higher grades.
4. 1914-D Lincoln Cent
The 1914-D Lincoln cent (Denver mint) had a small mintage and is in demand among series collectors.
- How to spot it: Look for a small “D” mintmark under the date on the obverse.
- Why valuable: Low surviving numbers and collector demand for early Lincoln cents.
- Value range: Hundreds to several thousand dollars depending on grade.
5. 1877 Indian Head Cent
Among Indian Head cents, the 1877 issue is scarce and highly sought after in original condition.
- How to spot it: Confirm the date 1877 on the obverse and the feathered headdress portrait.
- Why valuable: Low mintage and survival rate from the 1870s.
- Value range: Several hundred dollars in low grade; thousands in higher grades.
How to check your pennies safely
Follow these simple steps before you assume a penny is valuable. Rushing can damage a collectible.
- Do not clean the coin. Cleaning can reduce collector value dramatically.
- Use a magnifying glass or jeweler’s loupe (10x) to examine date, mintmark, and any doubling or anomalies.
- Weigh suspect coins. For example, genuine 1943 steel cents weigh about 2.7 grams; a bronze 1943 will weigh closer to earlier copper cents (3.1–3.3 g).
- Compare with reference photos from trusted sources (PCGS, NGC, or the American Numismatic Association).
What to do if you find one of these pennies
Once you suspect you have a rare penny, take careful steps to protect its condition and value.
- Place the coin in a small coin flip or an airtight container to avoid fingerprints and environmental damage.
- Get a professional opinion. Send clear photos to a reputable grading service or local coin dealer.
- Consider third-party grading (PCGS, NGC) for high-value coins to maximize buyer confidence and price.
- When selling, use auction houses or specialist coin dealers rather than general marketplaces for best results.
Real-world example: A lucky jar of change
A collector bought a box of mixed coins at a flea market and found a 1955 doubled die obverse in circulated condition. After authentication and grading, the coin sold at auction to a specialist collector. The sale price was tens of thousands of dollars, illustrating how a single error coin can outstrip its face value many times over.
The key lessons are patience, authentication, and using the right sales channels to realize full value.
Practical tips and quick checklist
Use this checklist when you scan your wallet or piggy bank.
- Check dates from 1909, 1914, 1877, 1943, and 1955 carefully.
- Look for doubling on letters and numbers (1955 doubled die).
- Notice color differences: silver-gray vs. brown/copper in 1943.
- Do not clean; store safely and seek professional appraisal.
Where to learn more
Trusted places to research values include the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC), and the American Numismatic Association. Local coin clubs and certified dealers can also offer in-person help.
Finding a rare penny can be exciting, but careful verification and patience are essential to turn that discovery into fair market value.